Mahatma Phule, born in 1827, was a prominent Indian social reformer and activist known for his efforts in promoting education and social equality. He founded the Satya Shodhak Samaj in 1873, an organization aimed at fighting against caste discrimination and advocating for the rights of the marginalized, particularly women and lower castes. Phule and his wife, Savitribai Phule, were pioneers in women's education, opening the first school for girls in India in 1848. Their work laid the foundation for future social reform movements and inspired many to challenge the rigid caste system and promote education as a means of empowerment.